100 Years Ago: Intelligencer to Be Notified of Casualties, Women’s Military Massage School, Three Belleville Boys Wounded in Action

The Intelligencer August 30, 1917 (page 1)

“Notify Intelligencer About Casualties. Relatives, who receive messages of casualties are requested to notify The Intelligencer as soon as possible, and thus take the best method of giving the news to their friends. The names are not published in the casualty lists till three or four days following the receipt of the official telegram, and the publication of the news is therefore delayed, unless the Intelligencer is notified. Information may be given by ‘Phoning 36.”

The Intelligencer August 30, 1917 (page 3)

“Women’s Military Massage School. Toronto. Women from all parts of Canada have answered the call for masseurs and enrolled in the big training school opened by the Military Hospitals Commission at Hart House, for the purpose of qualifying women as trained workers.

The first class on the opening day, Aug. 20 numbered 82, and the entrants varied from young college girls to mature women of 40 all eager to make themselves proficient in the work, that they might help mend the soldiers who have returned incapacitated and needing such treatment to make them fit again. … They are all fine women in the most perfect physical condition ready for real work. …

The graduates will be sent to the various military hospitals throughout the country to treat cases of nerve injury, paralysis of the muscles and stiffened joints, which by massage and such treatment as the course includes, have been cured in scores of cases thought at first to be hopeless.

The students will attend these classes regularly from 9 till 5 o’clock daily for six months, and at the completion of their course will be expected to work for the Military Hospitals Commission at any place in Canada to which they may be appointed for 12 months. …

All graduates will receive diplomas which give them the rank of the best masseurs, and the greatly increasing demand for massage treatment following the miracles which are being worked with soldiers through its use, assures them employment indefinitely.”

The Intelligencer August 30, 1917 (page 5)

“Belleville Boys Wounded in Action. At least three Belleville boys have recently been wounded and two members of one family, Privates Thomas and William Crawford Logan, whose parents reside on Church Street.

The following telegrams were received from the Director of Records explain themselves: Mrs. Margaret Logan, 150 Church Street, Belleville, Ont. Sincerely regret to inform you that 136485 Pte. Thomas Logan, infantry, officially reported admitted to 4th General Hospital, Dannes Camiers, August 17, 1917, gunshot wound left shoulder and wrist severe. Will send further particulars when received. Director of Records.

Pte. Thomas Logan enlisted in Toronto with the 38th Battalion. A brother was a few weeks ago killed in action.

Ottawa, Ont., Aug. 26, 17. Mrs. Margaret Logan, 150 Church Street, Belleville, Ont. Sincerely regret to inform you that 69505 Pte. William Crawford Logan, infantry, officially reported admitted to First Canadian General Hospital, August 17, 1917, gunshot wound in hand. Will send further particulars when received. Director of Records.

Gunner Hammett left for overseas with the 33rd Battery from Kingston. Previous to enlistment, he was a G. T. R. Brakesman, residing in Belleville. He was previously wounded, namely, on April 9th of this year.”